Last Thanksgiving, 15th Congressional District candidate Eric Swalwell made the rounds of the long Black Friday shopping lines, serving coffee to constituents while hearing their concerns and trying to win their votes.

“This Thanksgiving, I’m grateful the voters have put their faith in me to listen to them at home and work for them in Washington,” he said in a statement issued Tuesday. “Thursday night I’ll be back in the lines serving coffee, thanking voters and listening to their top priorities.”

“I promised to be accessible and accountable,” he added. “I learned last year that this is a great way to chat with constituents and I’m excited to be back in line.”

I recall Tom Torlakson doing this, I ran into him at the Ross Department store in Concord when he first won an assembly seat. Legislators – Representatives, Senators, and Assembly men and women – need to stay close to the people. Had the previous person who held Swalwell’s job paid heed to this he would still be in Congress, I think. I know Congressman George Miller understands this, he’s home every weekend, constantly appearing at local events. Miller should have no problem hanging on to his sat – regardless how old he gets, he’s close to the people and heckuva Congressman to boot.

John W

The notion that a member of Congress is doing a better job by being back home every weekend is nonsense. A few times a year, or even monthly, sure. But every weekend? That’s what they have district office staff for.

First, much of that back home time is devoted to fundraising. Second, members used to stay in DC most of the time. When they weren’t working, they and members of their families got to know each other in informal settings, without regard to party affiliation. This schmoozing made it possible to have civility and to work across party lines. Now, if a House member is seen getting chummy with somebody in the opposite party, he or she is viewed suspiciously.

RR senile columnist

The Masses, how awful is their collective smell!

Elwood

@ 3 John W.

John, you’re not saying that our beloved 38 year congresscritter Georgie Porgie Miller is a flipping idiot are you?

I would say that the 12 hours or so he spends every week flying back and forth is a better use of his time than kissing General Pelosi’s behind in Washington.

John W

No opinion one way or another on George Miller. He’s not my rep. I was expressing an opinion contrary to the conventional wisdom that House members should spend as much time as possible back home in the district.

EBALFAN #2

I think we can all agree that moderation is the best policy. Every weekend is likely overkill but it is great that Swalwell will be making the effort to be close to his constituents. Of course Pete Stark lived in Maryland so going home for him was a different situation altogether. Good riddance and congratulations to Eric Swalwell,